WHAT DO COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY HAVE TO OFFER?
Counselling is an opportunity for support, understanding and development. It involves a particular kind of relationship, which is often not available through friends or family: the counsellor is fully present in listening to the client non-judgementally, and the client has the space to talk freely and openly in confidence.
Evidence shows that counselling helps. Working confidentially with someone who is trained and experienced in relating, brings many possible benefits. Clients invariably establish greater understanding of themselves through therapy, gaining insight into difficulties or distress. Counselling can help people to explore strategies for coping or bringing about change in their lives. It can enable choice and bring clarity where there is confusion. Counselling does not involve giving advice or directing a client towards any particular course of action.
What sorts of issues do people bring to counselling?
People seek counselling for many different reasons. Therapists try to understand whatever issues a client may bring in the context of their life and what is meaningful to them. What tends to be common to all clients is some vulnerability or anxiety about something in themselves or their lives. The following statements are examples of how a client might describe why he/she is seeking counselling:
“I can’t see a way out.”
“I have had MS for the last 8 years. I make out that it’s fine, but it’s not. I’m frightened of the future.”
“I’m desperate to have a baby but can’t even settle down.”
“I felt so low I decided to get help.”
“I need to get my confidence and my energy back, to be able to cope.”
“I keep feeling panicky, as if I can’t breathe.”
“I need some help.”
“Inside I feel as if I just want to cry.”
“My ex told me I should see a counsellor.”
“I keep getting flashbacks. Will it ever get better?”
“I can’t get over the loss of my partner.”
“I think I’m drinking too much. It’s got to the point where I keep a bottle hidden so no-one knows I’m doing it.”
“I hate the way I look.”
“I can’t cope anymore.”
“I just feel so exhausted all the time. I can’t concentrate on anything and feel so unmotivated.”
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Therapists hold different views about what distinguishes counselling from psychotherapy. Some factors considered are the nature and duration of training, the extent of difficulty clients present with, and whether therapy is short- or longer-term. Longer term work tends to involve deeper exploration of clients’ experiencing, which many consider to be the realm of psychotherapy.
Harriet and Nicola have recently joined the Clinic. They offer a free introductory session for clients to meet them, get a flavour of how they work, and clarify any issues clients might have about counselling. For appointments or further enquiries about counselling, please contact the Clinic on 01273 835116 or www.sussex-osteopath.co.uk
